The Michigan Wolverines football program received a major boost on Monday with the announcement that former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene will be transferring to Ann Arbor for the 2025 season. Keene, a veteran signal-caller with over 8,000 career passing yards and 65 touchdowns, is expected to provide immediate depth and competition at the quarterback position for the Wolverines.
A Proven Track Record
Despite his diminutive 5-foot-11 stature, Keene has consistently proven himself to be a productive and efficient passer at both the UCF and Fresno State programs. Last season with the Bulldogs, he threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 18 touchdowns while leading his team to a respectable showing against these same Wolverines in a hard-fought 24-10 loss in Ann Arbor.
Mikey is a tough, savvy quarterback who has succeeded at every level. His ability to make plays both in and out of the pocket will serve him well in the Big Ten.
– Anonymous ACC Coach
Keene’s 2024 Stats
- 2,892 passing yards
- 18 passing touchdowns
- 62.4% completion rate
While Keene’s numbers may not jump off the page, his steady production, veteran leadership, and ability to limit turnovers make him a valuable addition to a Michigan quarterback room that cycled through three different starters in 2024. His familiarity with the Wolverines from last year’s matchup could also help ease his transition to a new offensive system.
The Underwood Factor
Of course, Keene isn’t the only high-profile quarterback acquisition for Michigan this offseason. The Wolverines also secured a commitment from Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top overall recruit in the 2025 class. While Underwood’s sky-high potential is undeniable, he may benefit from having an experienced mentor like Keene to help guide him through the rigors of Big Ten football as a true freshman.
Competition breeds excellence. Having a player of Mikey’s caliber in the same quarterback room as a prodigy like Underwood will ultimately make both of them better and strengthen the team as a whole.
– Big Ten Network Analyst
A New Era in Ann Arbor?
For a Michigan program still seeking its first College Football Playoff berth, the addition of Keene, along with Underwood and a talented supporting cast, provides reason for optimism heading into the 2025 campaign. While a New Year’s Six bowl victory over Alabama would be a fitting end to the 2024 season, Wolverine fans are already dreaming of what this team might accomplish with an infusion of fresh blood under center.
Michigan has knocked on the door of national title contention for years now. If Keene can provide a bridge to the Underwood era, the Wolverines might finally kick that door down sooner than later.
– ESPN College Football Analyst
Only time will tell if Mikey Keene is the missing piece that finally pushes the Wolverines over the top in their pursuit of a national championship. But one thing is certain – his arrival, coupled with the promise of Underwood’s immense potential, has injected a newfound energy and excitement into a Michigan program eager to reclaim its spot among college football’s elite.
